Metro initiates a Six-Year Plan to reconfigure service to serve multiple destinations rather than consider Seattle the hub for most transit trips.

1996

Metro becomes a division of the King County Department of Transportation. Paul Toliver appointed first director of DOT. Rick Walsh - a third-generation transit worker - named Metro Transit General Manager.

A leaner $3.9 million "Sound Move" plan passes on November 5.

Metro forced to cancel all service for the first time in its history after multiple snowstorms leave more than half the fleet of 1,100 buses stuck in the snow or otherwise out of service.

Rick Walsh, 1996.

1997

In Seattle, voters approve Initiative 41 which creates the Elevated Transportation Company to build an extension of the existing monorail system that will link the four corners of the city to downtown.

Monorail at Westlake Center, 1962 rendering. Postcard.

1998

In the worst bus accident of Metro's 25-year history, a passenger shoots and kills the driver of a bus crossing the Aurora Bridge north of downtown Seattle. The driver, the gunman and a passenger die.

Peak fares increase to $1.25 and $1.75.

Metro Transit Operator Mark McLaughlinkilled in the line of duty on Nov. 27, 1998.

1999

Voter approval of Initiative 695 in November eliminates the state motor vehicle excise tax, a major source of Metro Transit's annual operating funds. The following February, about 160,000 hours of transit service are cut, and an additional 70,000 additional hours postponed.